“Nothing good comes from Nazareth,” was a common saying 2,000 years ago in Judea. Contemplatives with an esoteric interpretation of those distant events sometimes interpret that saying as the belittling expectation that nothing good can come from ourselves. Yet history and others suggest otherwise.
That we expect little of ourselves results naturally from our upbringing, for it consists of so much outward turning to others for direction and instruction. We are born helpless. Our survival initially depends upon the mercies of our parents. Perforce we obey our parents instruction. From our parents, we are given over to schooling which socializes our young animals in how to act, feel, think, believe, and be. Moreover an instinct to find safety in the company of the herd encourages conformity.
Continue reading Being Asked to Be More YourSelf